The Government has announced a comprehensive new package to tackle HGV driver shortages which will deliver up to 50,000 more drivers a year as we work to tackle the worldwide lorry driver shortage.

HGV drivers are helping to keep the whole country running, as they have been throughout the pandemic – but there is a global shortage of drivers. That is why the Government is taking action here in the UK to help industry leaders attract drivers and build a more resilient sector, and following a public consultation we are overhauling HGV driving tests to streamline the process and make 50,000 more tests available each year.

HGV driving tests will be overhauled, meaning drivers will only need to take 1 test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to take 2 separate tests (spaced 3 weeks apart). This will make around 20,000 more HGV driving tests available every year and mean drivers can gain their licence and enter the industry more quickly.

Tests will also be made shorter by removing the ‘reversing exercise’ element – and for vehicles with trailers, the ‘uncoupling and recoupling’ exercise – and having it tested separately by a third party. This part of the test is carried out off the road on a manoeuvring area and takes a significant amount of time. Testing such manoeuvres separately will free up examiner time, meaning they can carry out another full test every day.

Car drivers will no longer need to take another test to tow a trailer or caravan, allowing roughly 30,000 more HGV driving tests to be conducted every year.

This new legislation is changing previous EU regulations which the UK is no longer obliged to use. This will help more people to kickstart their career as a well-paid HGV driver as we take global leadership in tackling the long-standing challenges faced by countries around the world.

The changes follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world.

The standard of driving required to drive an HGV will not be affected, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans.

The driver shortage is a widespread problem affecting countries across Europe and also the United States, caused by a range of factors, including an ageing workforce. The Government’s announcement will ramp up driver testing and numbers and help industry leaders build a resilient UK haulage sector which attracts drivers from across society.

To view the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car from autumn 2021, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-rules-for-towing-a-trailer-or-caravan-with-a-car-from-autumn-2021

To view the Secretary of State for Transport’s written statement to Parliament on driver testing changes, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/driver-testing-changes